ANSWERING THE CRITICS ABOUT MOVEMENT QUALITY

Share:

...But even for a "frequent wearer" of IWC watches, the delay will be at least 7 to 10 years - the period until the watch first comes to a service. Now, looking at the average time senior management is in place in companies like IWC nowadays, I don't think their main concern is how the perception of the quality will be after that lifespan of 10 years....

I think this is normal that a mechanical watch needs some service. And if it's after 7-10 years it's a very lasting watch of great quality.

OK, Georges Kern is in place now for 12 years and there is no hint that he's going to leave. I haven't heard of special problems that have been produced in his first years.

regulateur Wrote:Having said that, it is possible to produce a heavily reliable, mechanic calibre with high quality standards, four days power reserve, quite antimagnetic and 100% swiss made for a price of less than 50 USD...

Sorry I cannot follow the argumentation that is used here.First cost cutting should be the problem why IWC watches decrease in quality - without telling one proof for that claim.Then it is propagated that if the right processes are used a watch could be produced very cheaply.Comparing apples and pears.Sorry, I'm in this forum for more than 12 years now and I've read lots of these discussions over the years. And none of these "issues" have turned out to be a real problem yet.

Padj Wrote:Yes. I am with Paul here. Please David, and Jack. Fill us in on specifics. We spend a lot of money on these high-end watches. We would like to know what you know, if there are quality issues.

Mike, it was not my intention to discourage you from buying another IWC; I just wanted to highlight that also Jack's story has two sides, like any other story too. One should buy the watch where joy and emotions balance the money invested. Regarding my personal experiences: I don't think it would be fair to publish a list of issues I witnessed with watches and service, because at the end, people at IWC took care of them and as I mentioned before, the perception of value for money is purely personal.

You come from nothing, you go back to nothing. What have you lost? Nothing!

You are not discouraging me. But I am interested in what you have to say, as well as what Jack had to say. And, David, I respectfully disagree with you and think you should detail your issues with IWC so that we others can see whether they are issues that do or could affect us. If, for some reason , you strongly disagree, you could email me if you want.

I'm late to the party on this one but want to add my appreciation for the long-term, technical view. Watch movements are complex machines and certain to be imperfect. As a computer scientist, I'm just glad that they are of higher quality than most software.

dmath Wrote:I'm late to the party on this one but want to add my appreciation for the long-term, technical view. Watch movements are complex machines and certain to be imperfect. As a computer scientist, I'm just glad that they are of higher quality than most software.

+1 - well put!

You come from nothing, you go back to nothing. What have you lost? Nothing!

62 Discussions and CommentsMember since Dec. 8, 2013Manchester,
United Kingdom

Guys, I thought the idea of a forum was for enthusiastic's to share there experiences, good or bad so we all have the best insight into what to buy, what not to buy or at least to be advices by those who are more experienced in these matters.I would hope, no matter how IWC may look down there noses if there are quality issues that may affect the long term accuracy of the watch then we should be sharing these quality issues, no matter what IWC may think.I have just ordered a portuguese automatic and intend to pass my watch down to my son for him to enjoy and therefor want it to last that long. If it is going to struggle then can somebody tell me so?

I have read thus far all the pros and cons and, due to limited time, would like to conclude with the following thought:

Since I'm not privy to internal manufacturing decisions taken by IWC's management nor do I feel qualified to answer all questioned raised point by point I hope my initial analysis which I presented is fair and comforting to those who are concerned about their current IWC timepieces or future purchases.

When evaluating a manufactured product as complex as a mechanical timepiece it is important to look at the total picture: the company, its history, its manufacturing capabilities, its after-sales-service and, above all, its commitment to customers.

Therefore, as I said in my opening post, the fact that IWC continuously upgrades its movements at their own expense should give most customers a sense of admiration and respect that the company is not out to get away with cost cutting measures which may compromise the timepieces produced.

At the end of the day, it isn't easy to keep huge factories going without considering all the important elements raised by many of you.

In conclusion, I hope my remarks shed some positive light on the subject of IWC's movement quality and that my post will be appreciated for what it's worth.

That's a great conclusion of the subject, Jack.I'm sure there's always something that could be made better at any timepiece and IWC like every other company in the world has to keep an eye on the costs. Anything else could be dangerous.But I feel treated very well.An IWC watch is not a cheap product and thus service cannot be cheap too.But if it's well done it is worth every cent.

Perception is reality. It seems that some IWC buyers here are very satisfied with the products - and this is very good news for them. For me, the perception is different, but again - it is very personal and about your own experiences. I am curious to see how IWC will evolve.

You come from nothing, you go back to nothing. What have you lost? Nothing!